Detecting underground coral reefs off Phang Nga

The Marine and Coastal Conservation Group of the International Fund for Nature Protection (WWF) has discovered more than 30 types of hard corals about 5 kilometers from shore. It is home to 12 types of fish belonging to 56 families.

The new coral reef discovered last month at Tai Muang (Phang Nga, Thailand) covered over 4 square kilometers, accounting for about 5% of the coral area in the Andaman Sea.

The information was published at a recent meeting of international experts in Thailand to discuss coral conservation and management.

Songpol Tippayawong, the leader of the Conservation team, said the fish in this area have rare species like Parrot Chlorurus rakaura.

This fish was first discovered in Sri Lanka and has never been seen in the Thai sea before.

Songpol said the findings help scientists understand why the Andaman Sea turtles choose Tai Muang as a major settlement: this coral is a source of food for sea turtles and descendants. of them.

The nearby Had Tai Muang Beach is the only beach in Thailand where sea turtles live in the Andaman Sea spawn. There are about 4 sea turtles that spawn on the coastline 14 kilometers long.

Songpol hopes the team will discover more important coral reefs that are not currently detected or protected.

It is feared that the newly discovered coral reef will attract tourist operators to organize excursions for visitors to snorkel. Therefore, WWF temporarily keeps secrets about the exact location of newly discovered coral reefs.

Pollution, global warming and the expansion of human settlements along the coasts are increasing threats to coral reefs and mangroves.

A recent report by the United Nations found that 30% of coral reefs in the world were severely damaged, about 60% of coral reefs could disappear before 2030. Thus, coral reefs newly discovered and in a healthy state with high scientific and ecological value.

Vu Minh Thuong